factoring fear into the budget
I'm finally getting around to figuring out a budget for our travels. I know, I know... it's a little late in the game to be just starting, but really I was just avoiding it so that it didn't overwhelm me. I'm not quite sure what we'll be able to manage, but here's the breakdown so far. Costs are for all three of us:
Visas: $330
Hotel/Food for one week in Ha Noi: $220
Train from Ha Noi to Da Nang: $150
Live in central Viet Nam for two months: paid in full
Train from Da Nang to Ha Noi: $150
Hotel/Food for 3 days in Ha Noi: $100
Train to Shenzhen, China: $250
Visit Tommy (3-5 days): cost unknown
Fly from Hong Kong to Bangkok: $800
Visit Lyle (1-2 days): cost unknown
Train to Chiang Mai: $100
So, to get the trip that I want for my kids, I have got to come up with about $2000. I know I've got about $1000 coming in from work and freelance jobs. There's no more appropriate weather for yard sales, so that options out and only some of what we have left is sell-able via eBay, but I will have to get on that asap.
As much as I didn't want to sell my furniture, it looks like it may come down to selling everything. I know that it would be worth it, but darn it, I worked really hard to refinish those dressers and table. I don't even know which I'd part with first: the armoire? dresser? kitchen table? The whole thought of it sort of saddens me, so it will be the very last resort to fund our travels. If I sell all the furniture, we really will have nothing when we return.
57 days left.
1 Comments:
Hi Teresa! I noticed the "cost unknown" for visiting me -- I can't wait to see you guys in Bangkok! I can help you keep the costs as low as possible and y'all will still have a grand time. We can liaison by email closer to the time (or phone once you're in country) so I could arrange cheap as dirt plane tix between Chiang Mai and BKK, or I could arrange the overnight train (which is cheap and a real treat, very comfortable) between the two cities. Also, if the Atlanta Hotel appeals to you (mentioned in my most recent blog post), I could arrange your rooms there (cheaper than if you did it through the website, because they know me and would set you up extra nice!). It's a treasure that only travelers lucky enough to be in the know have discovered. Many of my expat friends who have lived here longer than I have, haven't even heard of it! Of course now I'm blabbing about it everywhere so let's keep fingers crossed the management doesn't cotton on and then raise the rates! As for food, you'll eat heartily and for the price of a song. Bangkok is paradise for foodies without breaking the bank! I hope you'll stay longer than 1-2 days. :)
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